Really bummed out...allergies to vapor.

[zadrockn]

I ordered my first pv over a month ago and was using it diligently in place of my analogs and I was really truly enjoying it. Trying new flavors. Spending time on the forums, it was developing into a nice hobby and something that could potentially lengthen my lifespan. All was well. I was down to one or no analogs per day and wondering why I even bothered with the one. Awesome right?

The other day at work I go out to my car in the afternoon to grab by pv for a break and a vape. I take 2-3 longer puffs and suddenly my throat feels very very dry, then my tongue feels like it doubles in size. I'm having trouble breathing. I have some cough drops and some benadryl at my desk at work. I take the pill and the breathing issues eventually subside. I sucked on cough drops for the rest of the day to help with the breathing. So this freaks me out and I buy a fresh pack of analogs and swear off the vapor for a full day.

I spent the following days experimenting with the different flavors to see if I had a specific reaction to a specific flavor. No such luck...same reaction to all PG flavors in my kit. All this after vaping for close to a month with no reaction at all. Totally out of the blue I have an allergic reaction.

So I read on the forums some people are allergic to PG. Fine! I'll try the VG. Picked some VG up yesterday at a local vendor, filled a few fresh blank cartomizers. Tried them out for the first time this morning. Same reaction! Throat tightens, breaths grow short and labored, back to the cough drops. And back to the analogs?

So...I guess if I want to continue to breathe I'm going to have to give up the vapor. This is really very upsetting. I am totally bummed out over this.

Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[fritos1]

Go see a doctor thats the best advise any one could give because it could be some thing else but is more pronounced when you vape and its always best to seek medical proffesional in these cases.

 

[lmrasch]

oh dear....I'm so bummed for you . I do know that some people have trouble catching their breath and lung capacity after they quit smoking. As your lungs start working, they start to clear out all the crap. I had that happen the last time I quit smoking...had a hard time catching my breath and the doc said that can be pretty normal as your lungs heal. So this time I had a heads up, I'm 3rd week into no analogs, last week there were times that I felt like I couldn't get a full breath, and there was crap coming up. I'm aware that this is just part of my healing process so it doesn't concern me much and it's not happening quite as frequently now.
Have you tried VG from another vendor or perhaps just straight VG without any flavorings? Might try that just to see if it might have something to do with the additives....

 

[cusco]

I picked up an e-cigarette and been using it for the last week. The only thing I have is a bit of harshness and bite in the back of the throat. I just ordered the a vg eliquid to see if it's the pg. But I get a good kick that lasts for a long time after a few drags. I use it moderately but could see my throat getting really agitated if I did constantly in a short amount of time. hmm.. how often do you use it and for what length of time?

 

[t9c]

Don't take this as medical advice...go see your doctor first!
But, it sounds to me like what I get sometimes-"smokers asthma". I have regularly used asthma inhalers for several years and still need a puff off one a couple of times a day.

It could also be an allergy. You don't have this problem with analogs too?

 

[kushka]

If it is a reaction to PG - many makers of flavoring use PG as a base - as do many makers of nic juice. So many VG e-juices are not really PG free.

If I were you - I would get some straight VG from a drugstore. If you can vape that - then it is a reaction to PG. I know Perfumers Apprentice has started a line of all VG DIY flavorings and I have seen some distributors of nic juice who say you can buy nic juice from them is all VG (one stop diy shop) is one I believe (but I would call and check if it is truly 100%.)

Good Luck!

 

[green-lantern]

I vaped for a year with no I'll effects then all of a sudden I got some new juice and it made me sick. Not sure why unless they changed something in the mix. I want to start again but don't want to buy something I'm not going to use. My wife wasn't effected at all. She still uses with no ill effects.

 

[CaptJay]

PG is in cigarettes in smaller amounts than in juice but its in them just FYI.
Your doc will want to know if you tried a new company (they may use a flavor base which you have had a reaction to) or new flavor as before this you had no such reactions. He'll might jsut tell you to stop vaping AND smoking though - he isn't likely to recommend you go back to smoking.
Of course you can start an allergy at any time but if you have no such reactions to smoke from a cig its likely to be a flavoring imo. To become allergic to BOTH PG and VG after not being allergic is odd (not impossible though, truth is stranger than fiction).
Do you get this reaction from steam?

 

[Vappor]

Food grade VG gives me headaches and irritability also some cheapo's flavors, USP grade VG won't, now I only vape USP base liquid DIY flavors, hope that helps.

 

[Hellen A. Handbasket]

It isn't necessarily BOTH PG and VG you are allergic to. I'd bet it is likely a flavoring chemical. Food grade flavorings can cause allergies and make finding a liquid that doesn't include that particular chemical can be difficult. A common indicator of an allergy to flavoring is tongue swelling and mouth irritation.

I've sent someone a message about this thread and hopefully she can come and share her experience with you Adrockr. I asked her to PM you but hopefully she will also post so others know if they have the same thing happening.

Hang in there. She can tell you which of the few vendors she uses so you can try some samples of their liquids. I belive VaporStation, Halo and Ecopure she can vape ok. Dekang liquids makes her tongue swell so every Supplier that resells Dekang she avoids.

 

[green-lantern]

It isn't necessarily BOTH PG and VG you are allergic to. I'd bet it is likely a flavoring chemical. Food grade flavorings can cause allergies and make finding a liquid that doesn't include that particular chemical can be difficult. A common indicator of an allergy to flavoring is tongue swelling and mouth irritation.

This! for me....

I'm allergic to certain types of air fresheners. Extremely allergic to glade plug-ins. I noticed a different flavor to some of the juice.

 

[Java_Az]

I would for sure see a doctor first.
I was using a company that has cheap prices on there juice. i noticed that when i would exhale threw my nose i would sneeze about 50% of the time. Anyways i switched to FreedomSmokeUSA liquid this last week end and i have not sneezed once. They have some of the purest ingredients around. 99.99% pure lab tested Nicotine. Their PG and VG is even kosher. I am in no way saying you should try it out without talking to a doctor first. But if he/she says it is ok might be worth a shot.

 

[KEITH97M3]

If you can use mouthwash and toothpaste without any ill effects then it was most likely the flavoring that you are allergic to because both those products contain PG as one of the main ingredients. I went through a phase one time where one of the liquids made my head and body itch so bad that it drove me insane for weeks. I thought it was the VG that I recently switched to so I bought some usp grade pure plain VG and vaped that for 2 days and didn't get any itches.

I would go to a doctor that specializes allergies and have him test you for PG and VG allergies. Simple skin test that is painless and some can even be done by a simple blood test but that one is not as accurate. I already did this before so I kind of know what to expect.

Aloha, Keith

 

[AttyPops]

While you are talking to your doctor, you may want to ask him/her about an epipen that you could carry with you if you continue vaping.

Also, I think that analogs suppress some allergic reactions a bit.


AFTER YOU TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR/GET TESTED and with your Doctor's OK:
I know that some flavorings bother me more than others. One way to tell (don't do this alone or far away from help) is to vape unflavored nicotine juice, at your proper strength, using either a 100% vg, or 100% pg base. Basically, eliminate the flavorings. See if either, or both, bother you. Might want that epipen near you while trying. You can use strait PG or VG too.... no nic. If your tests show PG allergy, try only the VG vape, or vice-versa. You may wish to change the PG/VG vendor too before you try this just in case there is some difference.

Be careful when you do this... but you've been doing it already, just not isolating the different components.

 

[ShannonS]

Self testing for allergies could be dangerous. Testing by inhaling them? Who knows what might happen?

In theory and in the interest of debate:

If I were going to self test flavorings and bases to find what I was allergic to, and be my own theoretical lab rat, I would consider skin patch tests.

Theoretically, I would put a bit of what I think I might be allergic to on a band aid and apply it to the skin and see if I get a rash or itching from it. (provided I wasn't allergic to band aids, LOL)This could possibly reduce but not eliminate the risk of a reaction affecting my respiratory system. I think if I were testing a flavor concentrate, I would mix it with equal parts distilled water.

If I were going to do more than one flavor at a time, I would use a marker to write on the band aid to remind me of which substances I was wearing. Theoretically, a positive result would be a rash or itching. I would never vape something that gave me a skin rash. Who wants a lung rash? <grin>

This is a theoretical discussion and by no means constitutes medical advice. Allergic reactions can kill you.

 

[ladydeth]

Self testing for allergies could be dangerous. Testing by inhaling them? Who knows what might happen?

In theory and in the interest of debate:

If I were going to self test flavorings and bases to find what I was allergic to, and be my own theoretical lab rat, I would consider skin patch tests.

Theoretically, I would put a bit of what I think I might be allergic to on a band aid and apply it to the skin and see if I get a rash or itching from it. (provided I wasn't allergic to band aids, LOL)This could possibly reduce but not eliminate the risk of a reaction affecting my respiratory system. I think if I were testing a flavor concentrate, I would mix it with equal parts distilled water.

If I were going to do more than one flavor at a time, I would use a marker to write on the band aid to remind me of which substances I was wearing. Theoretically, a positive result would be a rash or itching. I would never vape something that gave me a skin rash. Who wants a lung rash? <grin>

This is a theoretical discussion and by no means constitutes medical advice. Allergic reactions can kill you.

Great point, ShannonS! A few of us are allergic to bandaid glue.

I have found the Wal-Mart brand VG causes instant stomachs....but the FreedomSmokeUSA juice (which is 50VG/50PG) doesn't hurt at all. Just because it says USP Approved doesn't mean its the good stuff.
Vapormaxx is another company that uses excellent quality VG. They are the only juice a close friend can smoke....I think he has issues with most brands of PG. Here is VaporMaxx's claim:

Available in over 21 flavors and four standard nicotine levels, formulated using Pure Nicotine from tobacco plants, 100% Certified Kosher Flavorings, Distilled Water and a FDA Certified, 100% Pure Vegetable Glycerin base. Vapormaxx™ E-Juice tastes better, lasts longer and produces a significantly more robust and satisfying vapor than any propylene glycol based E-Juice on the market.

Good Luck!

 

[AttyPops]

Self testing for allergies could be dangerous. Testing by inhaling them? Who knows what might happen?

In theory and in the interest of debate:

If I were going to self test flavorings and bases to find what I was allergic to, and be my own theoretical lab rat, I would consider skin patch tests.

Theoretically, I would put a bit of what I think I might be allergic to on a band aid and apply it to the skin and see if I get a rash or itching from it. (provided I wasn't allergic to band aids, LOL)This could possibly reduce but not eliminate the risk of a reaction affecting my respiratory system. I think if I were testing a flavor concentrate, I would mix it with equal parts distilled water.

If I were going to do more than one flavor at a time, I would use a marker to write on the band aid to remind me of which substances I was wearing. Theoretically, a positive result would be a rash or itching. I would never vape something that gave me a skin rash. Who wants a lung rash? <grin>

This is a theoretical discussion and by no means constitutes medical advice. Allergic reactions can kill you.

FYI

I said test WITHOUT ... I repeat WITHOUT the flavorings! Your original post said you already tested the PG & VG and I also said get tested 1st. She is right tho, caution, testing and medical advice from your doctor is needed 1st. Skin testing 1st is the idea, but should be done by a doctor.

 

[jj2]

If you've been vaping for awhile and had no trouble, it's more likely it's THAT certain liquid.
I've run into that problem myself so it's time to start experimenting.

If the throat don't get better, see your doctor.

 

[AttyPops]

Well, did you make that Doctor's appointment???? Go back to analogs? Whatsssss uuuupppp? So.... whaddaya think you will do?

I ask 'cuz I'm iffy on some of the flavorings and wondered what you plan to do. Also, Bump.

 

[voltaire]

I posted this in another thread today, and I'll repost it here, as it's a possibility to consider.

This is just a total guess, but something you may want to look into and ask your liquid/flavoring suppliers about.

Linalool (pronounced /lɪˈnælɵ.ɒl/) is a naturally-occurring terpene alcohol chemical found in many flowers and spice plants with many commercial applications, the majority of which are based on its pleasant scent (floral, with a touch of spiciness). It has other names such as β-linalool, linalyl alcohol, linaloyl oxide, p-linalool, allo-ocimenol and 2,6-dimethyl-2,7-octadien-6-ol.

Linalool gradually breaks down when in contact with oxygen, forming an oxidized by-product that may cause allergic reactions such as eczema in susceptible individuals. Between 5-7% of patients undergoing patch testing in Sweden were found to be allergic to the oxidized form of linalool.[1] Ways to minimize exposure include not buying large bottles of perfumed hygiene products, and replacing the lid after each use.
Linalool - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Linalool can be found in many eliquids and flavorings.